These are the items police had on display today after they arrested 3 Rebel MC gang members. The homes of the men involved also. Anytime Gym at Deeragun.Source: News Limited

A TOWNSVILLE gym was ­allegedly the secret meeting place for a trio of Rebels criminal motorcycle gang members trying to fly under the radar of the State Government's tough anti-bikie laws.

The gang members, who were arrested yesterday by Taskforce Maxima detectives, were allegedly meeting at Anytime Fitness at Deeragun to avoid arousing the suspicious of Townsville police.

Staff at the gym, which is open 24 hours, yesterday confirmed they were in contact with police about the alleged secret meetings but refused to comment further.

Neighbours of the bikies were shocked to learn after the raids that they were living near bikies who allegedly had ­access to ­weapons and drugs.

Taskforce Maxima Detective Inspector Brendan Smith said the gang members had been charged under Section 60A of the Criminal Code which relates to being knowingly present in a public place and being participants in a criminal organisation.

"It's a really friendly, quiet street and there is lots of kids and families.

"I had no idea but out of all the houses here, cars definitely do come and go from there the most."

A Frendon Parade resident said they knew bikies were ­living in the street but were ­unaware of the seriousness of their alleged criminal activity.

She added the bikies moved in about three years ago.

"We knew they were there but we've never had any problems and we hardly ever see them," she said.

"We never heard any noise or noticed anything suspicious.

"But I have increased my home security over the years."

Insp Smith said Brisbane-based Taskforce Maxima had been working closely with Townsville detectives since mid-December to arrest the Rebels trio.

"We work closely with the regions and we'll target criminal motorcycle gangs regardless of where they are," he said.

"The Townsville detectives have done a great job … they have identified these offences which had led to a joint investigation with Taskforce Maxima. These people (Crime gangs) are responsible for the majority of manufacturing drugs in Queensland and we all know the link between drugs and property crime."

Comments on this story

ThugsAreGrubs of Australia Posted at 1:49 PM January 17, 2014

Lots of people said stuff like"what are they going to do,ban car clubs,cricket clubs ect.Well,I guess 'lots of people got it wrong'.Do these REAL clubs take photos of police,traffic and manufacture drugs and behave like wankers?So sick of hearing the same old 'poor bikers' line.Why dont they just pack up and head down south where they can join up with the middle eastern biker/thugs they call brothers?Townsville dont need outlaw MC's.Real men dont need gangs.Real men stop playing them games during grade 9 at high school dont they?Real men stand alone.Real men are not bullies.Real men respect the laws of this country.Insecure adult males join gangs.Its really that simple.

Mel Posted at 10:26 AM January 17, 2014

That right there proves the whole outraged moral panic is nothing but fear-mongering by the government and media. It's a really friendly and quiet street, and now people are scared for no good reason. Not saying there is no bikie issue at all, but with 6,000 gang members out of 20 million people in the country, I'm not fortifying my house against the menace just yet.

THEIR days on the court may be over but former Townsville Fire players Aneka Davis, Cherie Gallagher and Julia Duroux will be cheering from the sideline when the team takes on Bendigo in the grand final.